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In a context where renewable energies are at the heart of environmental concerns, researchers from the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (Nibio) innovate using biofilms to convert carbonated gases into biomethane. This process, which promises a purity of 96 %, is based on advanced technology to transform plastic waste and woody green gas biomass. This advance could revolutionize the production of sustainable energy.
An unequaled methane purity
The production of pure methane from biofilms represents a leap forward in the field of renewable energies. Traditionally, biogas come from the decomposition of organic matter, but the biofilm process is distinguished by its ability to treat various flows of gas. Biofilms, real “cities for microbes”, allow effective conversion of gases such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide to methane.
Thanks to a complex structure composed of lipids, proteins and sugars, biofilms optimize the gaz-liquid contact. This increases the surface available for the chemical reaction, thus improving methane efficiency.
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Biofilm -free systems lose up to 30 % methane, while biofilm reactors maintain high quality even in the presence of high levels of H2S.
Unconventional substrates in solution
One of the major innovations in this research lies in the use of atypical substrates for the production of syngas. By integrating plastic waste and woody biomass, usually resistant to degradation, researchers have opened new paths for the exploitation of biofilms. This process is promising for the production of syngas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
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Although the addition of hydrogen in the process has shown an increase in methane production, an excess hydrogen can unbalance the system.
Biofilm reactors offer a robust and flexible platform for future biogas production.
However, rigorous control is necessary to guarantee optimal operation on an industrial scale.
AnnMBR challenges and perspectives
To overcome the challenges posed by the presence of ammonia and H2S in industrial gas flows, the researchers adopted the Anaerobic Moving Biofilm Reactor (ANMBR) reactor. This type of reactor stabilizes the process, even with high levels of contaminant gas. Biofilms improve the efficiency of the Gaz-liquid contactthus increasing the available reaction surface.
This technology could transform biogas production methods by increasing the quality and quantity of methane produced. The potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is considerable, making biofilms a key player in the energy transition.
Towards sustainable energy production
By integrating unconventional substrates and using biofilms, nibio researchers show that it is possible to improve biogas production while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This innovative approach could become a major contribution to the production of renewable energy.
Biofilms could also be used for other industrial applications, transforming harmful gases into precious resources. However, their large -scale implementation requires fine management to avoid imbalances in chemical reactions. Are these challenges overcome to make biofilms a long-term viable energy solution?
This article is based on verified sources and the assistance of editorial technologies.
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